GUIDE TO THE DAVID MILES ARCHIVE (2003/105/1) IN THE POWERHOUSE MUSEUM Jessica McLean 2009
CONTENTS Biographical Note 2 Series List 3 Series Descriptions and Item Lists 4
COLLECTED ARCHIVES BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE Registration Number: 2003/105/1 Creator: Miles, David Miles, Cherie David Miles was born in 1945 in Muswellbrook, New South Wales. Miles studied architectural draughting at the Sydney Technical College, Ultimo. In 1966 he joined Merle du Boulay Interiors, where he met a number of leading Sydney decorators, including Leslie Walford, Babette Hayes, June Driver, James Mooreland, Sue Over, Barry Little, and Tom Terry. In 1969 he established David Miles Handprints Australia, in direct competition with Florence Broadhurst Wallpapers Pty Ltd (for whom he had designed a restaurant mural in 1968). In 1970 he married Cherie King (born 1950, Sydney), a commercial photographer, who went on to become Miles's co-designer and business partner. Wilson Fabrics and Wallcoverings (Arthur G Wilson Pty Ltd) purchased David Miles Handprints in 1971, and in 1972 the Industrial Design Council of Australia selected 26 David Miles designs for inclusion in the Industrial Design Council of Australia's Australian Design Index. Around 1970, Wilson Fabrics and Wallcoverings also purchased Florence Broadhurst (Handprinted) Wallpapers and then differentiated the various wallpaper designers by establishing 'Signature Handprints'. Wilson Fabrics was taken over by James Hardie Industries Pty Ltd around 1977. Around 1977 David and Cherie Miles set up in rented premises in Myrtle Street, Chippendale. with ten 20 metre long flatbed screen printing tables. They remained there until 1989, gradually re-establishing their own design and printing business under various names, including Cherie Miles, Lilly Pilli Designs and David K Miles (which they sold to Baresque Pty Ltd). David and Cherie Miles continued designing for Baresque during the 1980s on a contractual basis, eventually abandoning wallpaper, fabric and fashion design for limited edition art prints and painting in 1989.
COLLECTED ARCHIVES SERIES LIST Creator: Miles, David Reg. Number Series Title Date 2003/105/1-1 Design for the 'Terrace House' Mural 1968-69 2003/105/1-2 Press clippings, photographs and other documents 1967-1986 2003/105/1-3 Miscellaneous printed material c.1970-80s
COLLECTED ARCHIVES SERIES DESCRIPTION Registration Number: 2003/105/1-1 Creators: Miles, David Series Title: Design for the 'Terrace House' Mural Date Range: 1968-69 Physical Characteristics: Paper Description: Design, for the 'Terrace House' mural, by David Miles, Australian Handprinted Wallpaper, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1968-69 The design for the 'Terrace House' mural was commissioned by Florence Broadhurst for the top of the Cross Hotel in Kings Cross, Sydney. Arrangement: Chronological Dimensions: Shelf Length 0.010 m Number: F1
COLLECTED ARCHIVES SERIES DESCRIPTION Registration Number: 2003/105/1-2 Creators: Miles, David Series Title: Press clippings, photographs and other documents Date Range: 1967-1986 Physical Characteristics: Paper, photographic prints Description: Press clippings, photographs and other documents, belonging to David Miles, of David Miles Handprinted Wallpaper, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1967-1986 Documents originally from two magnetic albums beloning to Miles. Arrangement: Roughly chronological Dimensions: Number:
COLLECTED ARCHIVES ITEM LIST Series Title: Press clippings, photographs and other documents Item Number 2003/105/1-2/1 Letter, addressed to Mr D Miles, from K J Harris, Design Index Officer at the Industrial Design Council of Australia, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 21 June 1972 This letter is in regards to the Industrial Design Council of Australia selecting 26 David Miles designs for inclusion in the Australia Design Index in 1972. The letter is stuck to a piece of black cardboard (originally part of a scrapbook?). 2003/105/1-2/2 Photographic print, black & white, David Miles receiving his 'Good Design' award from the Industrial Design Council of Australia, taken by Ian McKenzie, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1972 In 1972 the Industrial Design Council of Australia selected 26 David Miles designs for inclusion in the Australia Design Index. 2003/105/1-2/3 Photographic print, black & white, David Miles receiving his 'Good Design' award from the Industrial Design Council of Australia, taken by Ian McKenzie, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1972 In 1972 the Industrial Design Council of Australia selected 26 David Miles designs for inclusion in the Australia Design Index. 2003/105/1-2/4 Newspaper clipping, titled 'Mosaic of the Temple', Australia, late 1960s Features an image of a group of people posing around a mosaic designed by David Miles. 2003/105/1-2/5 Newspaper clipping, titled 'The ship's not for sailing', Australia, c.1966 Regarding mosaics made by David Miles for the Norwegian consulate. Features an image of Merle du Boulay (who worked with David Miles in the mid sixties before he started his own business in 1969). 2003/105/1-2/6 Prize certificate, third prize awarded to David Miles, for a mosaic work, in the Arts and Crafts section of Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1967 Date correct?
Item Number 2003/105/1-2/7 Magazine clipping, titled 'Norway's Consul delighted', Australia, late 1960s Features part of the article, regarding mosaics which David Miles made for the Norwegian consulate. 2003/105/1-2/8 Magazine clipping, ad for David Miles Handprinted Wallpapers and Fabrics, Vogue Living, Australia, 5 Sep - 14 Nov 1973 2003/105/1-2/9 Magazine cover, Australian House and Garden, Dec 1972 Cardboard 2003/105/1-2/10 Magazine clipping, image of a kitchen, Australia, early 1970s 2003/105/1-2/11 Magazine clipping, image of David Miles' daughter's bedroom, Australia, 1970s See other clippings for date 2003/105/1-2/12 Magazine clippings (2) on board, one on either side, Australia, 1972 Advertisement for David Miles Hand-printed Wallpapers, Vogue Living, Australia, 10 Aug 1972 Article, 'Miles and Miles of Good Design', Australian Home Journal, p66, Oct 1972 Possibly from scrapbook (cardboard). 2003/105/1-2/13 Magazine cover, Australian House and Garden, Oct 1973 2003/105/1-2/14 Newspaper clipping, image of a woman wearing an outift made from fabric printed by David Miles, Australia, c.1980s 2003/105/1-2/15 Magazine clipping, two images, Australia, c.1980s 2003/105/1-2/16 Magazine clipping, image of bedroom interior, Australia, c.1970s This would appear to be a page from a scrap book. On reverse are magazine and newspaper clippings. 2003/105/1-2/17 Newspaper clipping, article titled 'Plenty of 'aahs!' at Jents show', Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, c.1970s This would appear to be a page from a scrap book. On reverse are the remains of two invitations for exhibitions of David Miles' work. 2003/105/1-2/18 Magazine cover, Australian Vogue Living, 15 Sep - 14 Nov 1973
Item Number 2003/105/1-2/19 Magazine clipping, image of the interior of a loungeroom, Australia, c.1970s 2003/105/1-2/20 Magazine cover, Australian House and Garden, Nov 1972 2003/105/1-2/21 Magazine cover, Australian Vogue Living, 15 Sep - 14 Nov 1973 This page appears to have been originally from a scrapbook. On the reverse are two magazine clippings, including an image from Australian Home Journal, p29, April 1973 2003/105/1-2/22 Magazine clipping, image of interior of loungeroom, Australia, c.1970s 2003/105/1-2/23 Newspaper clipping, article titled 'Young Design', Australia, early 1970s 2003/105/1-2/24 Magazine clipping, image of room decorated with fabric designed by Cherie Miles, Australia, c.1970s 2003/105/1-2/25 Magazine clipping, images of David and Cherie Miles' studio, Australian Home Journal, p67, Australia, Oct 1972 Features images of David Miles working in the studio. The page appears to have originally been from a scrapbook. On reverse is a magazine cover for House and Garden, Volume 48, No. 6, Nov 1972 2003/105/1-2/26 Magazine clipping, image of interior of dining room, Australia, c.1970s 2003/105/1-2/27 Magazine clipping, article titled 'Handprints for Homemakers', by Babette Hayes, p32 of an unkown publication, Australia, 1970s 2003/105/1-2/28 Magazine clipping, article titled 'Handprints for Homemakers', by Babette Hayes, pp33-34 of an unkown publication, Australia, 1970s The article continues on the reverse side of the page. 2003/105/1-2/29 Newspaper clipping, article titled 'They're wizards with wallpapers', Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1970s. 2003/105/1-2/30 Newspaper clipping, David Miles, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 2003/105/1-2/31 Magazine cutting, interior of loungeroom, Australia, c.1970s 2003/105/1-2/32 Newspaper clipping, article titles 'Designed that have a look of luxury', Australia, early 1970s
Item Number 2003/105/1-2/33 Newspaper clipping, article titled 'The creative matchmaker', by Leslie Walford, The Sydney Morning Herald, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 19 April 1978 2003/105/1-2/34 Cuttings (3) and sample of wallpaper design, on board, Australia, c.1970s The page appears to have been orginally part of a scrap book. On the front of the page are two newspaper cuttings/articles: 'The Modern Wizard! Design chief genius'; and 'Couple specialise in interior design', the Canberra Times, 24 March 1975. On the reverse of the page are: a sample of a wallaper deisgn, signed by Miles; and a newspaper article 'World leaders...', Central Coast Express, 6 Nov 1974. 2003/105/1-2/35 Newspaper clipping, 'Matching Designs', Standard Post, Australia, Nov 13 1974 The segment of cardboard to which the clipping is attached appears to have originally been from a scrapbook. On the reverse of the cardboard is part of a newspaper clipping, featuring an article about David Miles. 2003/105/1-2/36 Newspaper clipping, 'Display to Feature Top Designer', The segment of cardboard to which the clipping is attached appears to have originally been from a scrapbook. 2003/105/1-2/37 Newspaper clipping, featured in the section 'Mirror Girl' is the article 'Decorating with Barry: Your walls can be works of art', by Barry Little, Daily Mirror, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, c.1970s 2003/105/1-2/38 Single newspaper page, featuring article about David Miles titled 'Create Your Design', Sydney New South Wales, Australia, 1970s The page also features an ad for David Miles Wallpaper and Fabric, and ads from sydney retailers who supplied Miles' wallpaper. 2003/105/1-2/39 Newspaper clippings (4) attached to cardboard, relating to David Miles, Australia, 1970s The page appears to have originally been part of a scrapbook. On the front of the page are three clippings: article titled 'Wizard with Design'; article titled 'Inside Story'; and an advertisment for David Miles Handprinted Wallpapers and Fabrics being sold at 'The Inside Story' in Braddon, ACT. The reverse side of the page features an advertisment for 'Double Bay Decor'.
Item Number 2003/105/1-2/40 Newspaper clippings (3) attached to cardboard, relating to David Miles, New Zealand, c. late 1970s The page on which the clippings are attached appears to have originally been part of a scrapbook. On the front of the page are two clippings: article titled 'Finds inspiration 'anywhere''; and 'Fashions Change in Papers. On reverse is an article titled 'Colour preference linked to climate'. All these clippings are from New Zealand newspapers (Miles made a trip to New Zealand). 2003/105/1-2/41 Magazine clipping, image of the interior of a lounge room, Australia, 1970s The image is attached to a piece of cardboard and was probably originally part of a scrapbook. 2003/105/1-2/42 Magazine clippings (2) attached to cardboard, Australia, 1970s The images are attached to a piece of cardboard and were probably originally part of a scrapbook. On the front is an image of the interior of a lounge room, while on reverse is the image of the interior of a dining room. 2003/105/1-2/43 Magazine clipping, image of the interior of a loungeroom, Australia, 1970s The clipping is attached to a piece of cardboard, which was originally part of a scrapbook. 2003/105/1-2/44 Magazine clippings (2) attached to cardboard, relating to David Miles, Australia, 1970s The board which the clippings are attached to appears to have originally been part of a scrapbook. On the front of the board is a clipping of an image of woman in room from the Australian Woman's Weekly. On the reverse is an image of a bedroom with a caption which states that the room features 'Maidenhair' wallpaper by David Miles. 2003/105/1-2/45 Magazine clipping, advertisment for David Miles Wallpaper and Fabric, titled 'The craftsman's touch in wallpaper and fabric', in Hospitality, Australia, 14 Nov 1975 2003/105/1-2/46 Magazine clipping, image of the interior of a loungeroom, Australia, 1970s 2003/105/1-2/47 Magazine page, titled 'The Society of Interior Designers of Australia celebrates 25 Years of Design', in Belle: Home Living Today, Australia, 1970s 2003/105/1-2/48 Magazine clipping, with caption titled 'Joyce Tebbutt' and image of a lounge/dining room, Australia, 1970s The caption states that the room features upholstery using David Miles 'Scallop' fabric.
Item Number 2003/105/1-2/49 Magazine clipping, featuring caption titled 'Bruce Fergus' and an image of a bedroom, Australia, 1970s The caption states that the room features David Miles 'Hibiscus' wallpaper and fabric. 2003/105/1-2/50 Magazine clipping, 'The well bred bed', Australia, c.1980s 2003/105/1-2/51 Magazine clippings (2) attached to cardboard, relationg to David Miles, Australia, 1970s The page which the two clippings are attached to appears to have originally been part of a scrapbook. The first clipping is titled 'Bright young living in dining rooms that dare to be different' with an image of a dining room which features 'Cane' wallpaper and fabric by David Miles. The clipping on reverse features an image of a bathroom. 2003/105/1-2/52 Magazine clipping, image of a bathroom with the heading 'Showcase Bathrooms', Australia, 1970-80s? 2003/105/1-2/53 Magazine clipping, image of David and Cherie Miles' dining room, with clipping of caption which states this, Australia, c.1980s 2003/105/1-2/54 Magazine clipping, image of room with japanese-style screen, Australia, 1980s 2003/105/1-2/55 Magazine clipping, advertisment for David K Miles Designs, Australia, 1980s 2003/105/1-2/56 Magazine clipping, advertisment for David K Miles Handprinted Wallcoverings Pty. Limited, Australia, 1980s 2003/105/1-2/57 Magazine clipping, image of fabric with the heading 'Design 80', Australia, 1980s 2003/105/1-2/58 Magazine clipping, image of David Miles and a customer, Australia, 1980s 2003/105/1-2/59 Magazine clipping, image of a kitchen, Australia, 1980s 2003/105/1-2/60 Magazine clipping, article titled 'David Miles making a name in wallpaper', Australia, 1980s Page one of the article. 2003/105/1-2/61 Magazine clipping, article titled 'David Miles making a name in wallpaper', Australia, 1980s Page two of the article.
Item Number 2003/105/1-2/62 Photographic print, colour, image of bedroom, New South Wales, Australia, 1980s This image is a test shot for an article... the bedroom is that of one of the Miles' daughters'. 2003/105/1-2/63 Photographic print, colour, image of bedroom, New South Wales, Australia, 1980s 2003/105/1-2/64 Photographic print, colour, image of bedroom, New South Wales, Australia, 1980s 2003/105/1-2/65 Photographic print, colour, image of dining room, New South Wales, Australia, 1980s 2003/105/1-2/66 Photographic print, colour, image of bathroom, New South Wales, Australia, 1980s 2003/105/1-2/67 Photographic print, image of mirror, Australia, 1980s 2003/105/1-2/68 Photographic print, interior of bedroom, Australia, 1980s 2003/105/1-2/69 Photographic print, interior of bathroom, Australia, 1980s 2003/105/1-2/70 Magazine clipping, article titled 'David Miles: Making a Name in Wallpaper', Australia, 1980s 2003/105/1-2/71 Magazine clipping, article titled 'David Miles: Making a Name in Wallpaper', Australia, 1980s Page four of the article. 2003/105/1-2/72 Photographic print, colour, fabric and wallpaper by David Miles, 1980s 2003/105/1-2/73 Photographic print, colour, fabric and wallpaper by David Miles, 1980s 2003/105/1-2/74 Magazine clipping, advertisment for David K Miles handprints, Australia, 1980s 2003/105/1-2/75 Photographic print, colour, interior of bedroom, Australia, 1980s 2003/105/1-2/76 Photographic print, colour, David Mile's entry for the National Interior Design Show, Australia, 1981 2003/105/1-2/77 Polaroid photograph, colour, David Mile's entry for the National Interior Design Show, Australia, 1981 2003/105/1-2/78 Photographic print, image of David Miles wallpaper, Australia, 1980s 2003/105/1-2/79 Polaroid, colour, David Miles display, Australia, 1980s
Item Number 2003/105/1-2/80 Magazine clipping, article titled 'Extensions: Going Out', Australia, 1980s Page one of the article. 2003/105/1-2/81 Magazine clipping, article titled 'Extensions: Going Out', Australia, 1980s 2003/105/1-2/82 Magazine clipping, article titled 'Extensions: Going Out', Australia, 1980s 2003/105/1-2/83 Magazine clipping, article titled 'Extensions: Going Out', Australia, 1980s 2003/105/1-2/84 Photographic print, colour, image of a dining room with the sign 'YMJ', Australia, 1980s 2003/105/1-2/85 Photographic print, colour, image of a dining room, Australia, 1980s 2003/105/1-2/86 Photographic print, colour, image of a dining room, Australia, 1980s 2003/105/1-2/87 Magazine clipping, 'Extensions', Australia, 1980s 2003/105/1-2/88 Magazine clipping, 'Scene in the Showrooms', Australia, 1980s 2003/105/1-2/89 Photographic print, colour, image of hanging fabric with stalks, Australia, 1980s 2003/105/1-2/90 Photographic print, colour, image of hanging fabric with stalks, Australia, 1980s 2003/105/1-2/91 Photographic print, black and white, two stalks, Australia, 1980s 2003/105/1-2/92 Magazine clipping, advertisment for Svalbe Furniture, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1980s 2003/105/1-2/93 Photographic print, colour, David Miles' display at the National Interior Deisgn Show, Australia, 1980 2003/105/1-2/94 Photographic print, colour, David Miles' display at the National Interior Deisgn Show, Australia, 1980 2003/105/1-2/95 Photographic print, colour, David Miles' display at the National Interior Deisgn Show, Australia, 1980 2003/105/1-2/96 Magazine clippings, article titled 'Material Benefits, Australia, 1980s 2003/105/1-2/97 Photographic print, colour, image of loungeroom, Australia, 1970s 2003/105/1-2/98 Magazine clipping, article titled 'Material Benefits', Australia, 1980s
Item Number 2003/105/1-2/99 Magazine clipping, article titled 'Material Benefits', image of dining room, Australia, 1980s 2003/105/1-2/100 Photographic print, colour, image of dining room, Australia, 1980s 2003/105/1-2/101 Magazine clipping, article titled 'Material Benefits', Australia, 1980s 2003/105/1-2/102 Photographic print, colour the National Design Show, Australia, 1980 2003/105/1-2/103 Photographic print, colour the National Design Show, Australia, 1980 The 'Contribution stand' 2003/105/1-2/104 Photographic print, colour, print of boat, Australia, 1980 2003/105/1-2/105 Photographic print, colour, print of boat, Australia, 1980 2003/105/1-2/106 Photographic print, colour, print of boat, Australia, 1980 2003/105/1-2/107 Photographic print, colour, print of boat, Australia, 1980 2003/105/1-2/108 Photographic print, colour, print of boat, Australia, 1980 2003/105/1-2/109 Photographic print, colour, print of boat, Australia, 1980 2003/105/1-2/110 Photographic print, colour, print of boat, Australia, 1980 2003/105/1-2/111 Photographic print, colour, print of boat, Australia, 1980 2003/105/1-2/112 Photographic print, colour, print of boat, Australia, 1980 2003/105/1-2/113 Photographic print, colour, print of boat, Australia, 1980 2003/105/1-2/114 Newspaper clipping, article titled 'Home: Walls inspired by nature', The Sun Herald, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 28 Oct 1984 2003/105/1-2/115 Digest, Gabriel's Digest of Interiors, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1984-1985 Two full pages and one clipping which feature designs by David Miles. 2003/105/1-2/116 Journal, Overseas Trading: Journal of the Department of Trade, Vol 36, No 16, Australia, 17 Aug 1984 On page 369, under the subheading 'Interior Furnishings' is an article about David Miles.
Item Number 2003/105/1-2/117 Journal, Australian Trading News, Australia, 1985 The cover of the journal is missingf. On page 6 is an article about David K. Miles Handprinted Wallcoverings titled 'Handprinted wallcoverings, fabrics made to order'. 2003/105/1-2/118 Magazine clipping, 'Decorating Oriental', from House and Garden, Australia, Feb 1985 Image of dining room - David Miles Wallpaper 2003/105/1-2/119 Newspaper clipping, article titled 'Local label overcomes stigma and a complex', by Fiona Harari, 1980s What newspaper?
COLLECTED ARCHIVES SERIES DESCRIPTION Registration Number: 2003/105/1-3 Creators: Miles, David Series Title: Miscellaneous Printed Materials Date Range: c.1970-80s Physical Characteristics: Printed paper and a colour photograph Description: Arrangement: Miscellaneous printed material, about David Miles/Lilli Pilli Design/David K. Miles Handprinted Wallcoverings Pty Ltd, Australia/Singapore, c.1970-80s Chronological Dimensions: Shelf Length 0.010 m Number:
COLLECTED ARCHIVES ITEM LIST Series Title: Miscellaneous printed material Item Number 2003/105/1-3/1 Photographic print, colour, image of woman standing in room with David Miles wallpaper and curtains, Australia, 1973 This image was used as an advertisment for David Miles Handprinted Wallpapers and Fabrics. 2003/105/1-3/2 Newspaper clipping, article 'Handmade wall finishes: a touch of craft', from Sydney Morning Herald's 'Life and Home', 14 April 1983 Part of the article is about David Miles handprinted wallpaper and fabrics. 2003/105/1-3/3 Journal clipping, column 'Scores on the Board', Overseas Trading Journal, Vol 36, No 16, 17 Aug 1984 Under the subheading 'Interior Furnishings' is a mention of sales made by David K. Miles Handprinted Wallcoverings Pty Ltd. 2003/105/1-3/4 Journal cover, Australian Trading News, January 1985 Inside of the journal is missing. The cover features an image of David Miles sample books sitting on a lounge with David Miles cushion covers. 2003/105/1-3/5 Magazine clipping, article titled 'Newsmakers: Screen printer has designs on Asia', from Woman's Day, 31 March 1986 2003/105/1-3/6 Newsletter, by Fabrica Pte Ltd, Singapore, c.mid to late 1980s Features an interview with David Miles 2003/105/1-3/7 Press release, for Lilli Pilli Design Pty Limited, accompanied by images of a model wearing their designs, for David and Cherie Miles, Australia, c.late 1980s